Bought by Kenneth Thompson at Sotheby’s London, July 2002. The flamboyant and dramatic work by Rubens – though recently some voices discussing its authenticity have been heard could also fight for the title of “most unexpected success”: Christie’s had estimated its price at a mere £5 million.

#18. $78,100,000. Pierre-Auguste Renoir – Le Moulin de la Galette.

At the time of its sale in 1990, it was the second most expensive painting ever sold. This masterpiece even went to the same person that bought number one at the time, Daishowa Paper Manufacturing Co. chairman Ryoei Saito. Again, he wanted this one cremated with him as well, but his companies ran into problems with loans and debt so it had to be sold on as collateral.

#17. $80 million. Turquoise Marilyn by Andy Warhol, 1964-2007.

Bought by Mr. Steve Cohen, the price was not confirmed but is generally accepted to be true